The past year has brought a lot of changes in the workforce. Many people have lost their jobs and are looking for new opportunities. Some industries, however, have been growing, and their skills are in high demand.
There is a growing popularity for careers that don’t require a college degree. There are scores of professions that need experience and expertise, not textbook studies. Trade schools train in many diverse fields, offering hands-on training, and you can graduate with experience in a much shorter time frame than a traditional college degree.
Trades in Demand
As the world continues to advance in technology, there is a great need for manual and physical workers, from maintaining machinery to building homes. The housing market is heating back up, and the demand for builders and construction workers is increasing. The rise in construction has a snowball effect, resulting in a demand for plumbers, electricians, and building inspectors.
There is also significant demand in fields that were primarily occupied by baby boomers. As that generation retires, they leave a void that must be filled in many industries, such as the transportation industry, which includes jobs like mechanics and diesel technicians.
We’ve researched the growth and opportunities and have compiled for you the top trades in demand for 2022 with increasing potential over the upcoming years.
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the field of wind turbine service technicians will see an estimated growth of 61%. The technicians are responsible for ensuring that the wind turbines are working properly. They climb the turbines to inspect them, conduct regular maintenance checks, and fix any electrical and mechanical issues with the turbines.
Electricians
Electricians can service general electrical components or can serve a niche industry. If you are interested in becoming an electrician, it is best to work under an experienced electrician as an apprentice to gain the necessary skills. You may need to pass certification to get your electrician’s license.
HVAC Technicians
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) Technicians are responsible for servicing and maintaining heating and cooling systems. There are trade schools to learn the field, although in many places, you can learn from an apprenticeship, and there is the potential to earn a nice salary as an HVAC technician.
Plumbers
Plumbers are always in high demand, as anyone who has ever suffered a leak can agree. Plumbers install, maintain, and fix pipes and appliances that use the plumbing systems like toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and boilers. You may need to fulfill licensing requirements to become a licensed plumber in your area.
Welders
Welders use high heat to fuse metals to create or fix equipment. A welder can work in construction, on industrial projects, and in manufacturing. Highly skilled welders can work on cars, steel beams in construction and specialize in niche fields.
Construction Workers
Construction workers are in high demand to meet the rise in the building industry. They may be tasked with erecting scaffolding, framing the interior of a house, installing sheetrock, laying bricks, cementing a floor, and operating saws, drills, jackhammers, and specialized equipment.
Heavy Machines Mechanics
Heavy machine mechanics maintain and repair bulldozers, cranes, and other heavy equipment. They usually gain their experience by working in the field as an apprentice.
Home Inspectors
The growth of construction brings with it the demand for home inspectors. They conduct evaluations of homes and buildings under construction to ensure they are being built according to all safety and legal standards. Home inspectors usually need to take a course and pass certification.
Aircraft and Motorcycle Mechanics
There is a demand for specialized mechanics such as for aircraft and motorcycles. They are responsible for performing maintenance checks and repairing any issues with the vehicles.
Breaking into the Field
For many of these growing trades, experience and skill are critical. Trade schools will provide hands-on practice, but the best way to learn is by getting an internship and working in the field.
Some trades require you to take courses and pass their certification, such as electricians, home inspectors, and plumbers.
Final Thoughts
Businesses and career opportunities are constantly changing, and new fields open up as the world evolves. However, there is a great need for workers who are skilled and experienced in many manual and physical jobs in the in-demand trades listed above.
